By Christy Solo and Wayne Lee – Editor and Sports Editor
Eagle Point
December saw the annual lighting of the downtown Christmas tree that featured an additional 2,500 lights donated by Tim Wyatt of Skycrest Development that took a small army to install before the big event.
The city council held their final meeting of the year where they adopted a new, updated Emergency Operations Plan. The plan, which City Administrator Aaron Prunty describes as a “best practices manual,” was last updated in 2013. City staff combed through the more than 500-page document, updating it with all the latest, most current codes and regulations.
As for the fences on the new pickleball courts, it was decided the best and least expensive option would be to just remove the fences. The Public Works Dept. already has another location where they could use the removed fencing.
Shady Cove
December kicked off with the URI announcing we will be going online starting Jan. 7. We will have both online and print editions Jan. 7, 14 & 21. Beginning in February we will be online only (with a printable option so folks can still do their crosswords!)
The Dec. 4 council meeting brought more Bills Paid questions. Winfrey asked about a $15K payment listed as “confidential” on the report. Richardson advised it has to do with ongoing legal issues and cannot be made public. Winfrey asked if she could view it privately as a “member of council.” Richardson said she could schedule time with staff to see it.
Also during public comment former R&T Chair Mary Pulcini asked “who on council” decided not to do the Christmas Tree lighting event in the absence of R&T.
Richardson advised it had not come before council as a request, so there was nothing to decide.
Councilor Jeff Vanier said he had asked Richardson about the event after their previous meeting, and she had said there was “no money” for the event.
Richardson explained that with multiple budget line items close to going over, and a supplemental budget meeting happening in January, there was a hold on all non-essential spending as Shaddox had explained in the Nov. 6 meeting.
However, the point was essentially moot because councilors Vanier and Winfrey had already lined up enough volunteers prior to the Dec. 4 meeting to plan and make the tree lighting a community event.
Lastly during public comment Terry Rasmussen presented a document to council asking for them to call for the two appointed seats and the mayor’s set to be put on the May 2026 primary ballot.
There were two action items during the meeting, one to approve Edwards as a check signatory, the other to approve a letter to be sent to citizens explaining the safety fee overcharge, and new rules for the fee.
Council suggested changes for both documents. The letter was tabled for the next meeting as it required more discussion. The signatory document was edited by staff during the meeting, and the new copy was given to council for a motion. The motion carried 5/0.
Shady Cove City Council had their final meeting of the year Dec. 18.
During public comment two citizens asked that the seats of all three appointees be put on the May 2026 ballot.
Vanier vowed that the topic of the May election “would be” on the Jan. 15 agenda.
However, only the mayor can set the agenda. Richardson confirmed the topic will be discussed Jan. 15.
Edwards announced that starting in 2026 council will see bills not yet paid during the consent calendar portion of the meeting versus bills already paid.
Samuel Clark was appointed to the Planning Commission, leaving one open seat. Applications are available on the city’s website or at City Hall.
The letter to citizens regarding the public safety fee was given one final review and approved. After some discussion it was decided to send it to all citizens, not just those who had been affected by the overcharge.
It was announced that the 22/23 audit was sent to the Secretary of State and the city’s auditor will attend the Jan. 15 meeting to give a full report on the audit.
In closing Richardson said she is confident the 23/24 and 24/25 audits will both be completed in 2026. It’s possible they won’t be completed until the fall, but they will be done and the city will get caught up.
Other December News: Bird flu persists across Oregon, citizens are advised to avoid any sick or dead birds, especially waterfowl. Happy New Year from the Upper Rogue Independent!
